Internalized homophobia, attachment styles, and parental attitude across LGBTQ+ generations

https://doi.org/10.70228/JHER2025034

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ABSTRACT

Internalized homophobia remains a critical issue affecting the well-being of LGBTQ individuals, influenced by various psychological and social factors. Given the foregoing assumption, this study determined the relationship among internalized homophobia, attachment styles, and parental attitude across LGBTQ+ generations using the Cass Identity Development model, Attachment Theory, and Gender Affirmative Model as theoretical frameworks. A descriptive-correlational design was employed, and 242 LGBTQ individuals completed four standardized self-report questionnaires. The results indicated that the majority of participants identified as gay, belonged to the millennial generation, held a bachelor’s degree, and were currently living with their parents.   In regard to internalized homophobia, most participants exhibited low levels. Additionally, the majority had secure attachment styles and reported non-affirmin1g parental behaviors. A statistically significantly higher level of internalized homophobia among bisexuals (mean=1.27, p<.001) and anxiously attached (mean=1.34, p<.001) participants was obtained. Significant relationships were found between secure attachment styles and bachelor’s degree holders (p=.020), as well as between affirming parental attitude and transgender participants (p=.016). Moreover, high internal stigma perception (p<.001) and perception of social oppression (p=.013) were significantly related to anxious attachment style. Finally, the majority of participants with higher overall levels of internalized homophobia were anxiously attached (p<.001). In contrast, avoidantly attached participants reported having accepting parents (p<.01). It may be concluded that higher overall levels of internalized homophobia were observed among LGBTQ individuals, particularly among bisexual individuals and those with an anxious attachment style. Based on these findings, a program to raise awareness of internalized homophobia was proposed.

Keywords: internalized homophobia, LGBTQ+ individuals, attachment styles, parental attitude